Now that the State of Qatar has succeeded in limiting the spread of the virus, the restrictions that were implemented in March are now gradually being lifted. The first phase of lifting the restrictions was in June 2020.
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The fourth phase will be split in two. The first phase begins on September 1, 2020. Health officials will still assess the situation if there are restrictions that need to be re-imposed or whether the present situation has improved. The second phase will start in the third week of September 2020.
Fourth Phase Gradual Lifting of Restrictions
Through the cooperation of citizens and residents of Qatar, the goal to limit the spread of the virus is achieved. Because of this, restrictions on the people’s movements, businesses, and activities were slowly being lifted. The country is in its fourth phase of lifting the restrictions. Here’s what you need to know about the fourth phase:
- The fourth phase will be split in two. The first half will begin on September 1, 2020, while the second half will be in the third week of September.
- All mosques in the country will reopen, for the daily prayers and Friday prayers. However, toilets and other washing facilities will remain closed.
- Workplaces, whether private or private, can only accommodate 80% of its workers in the facility
- For group gatherings, 15 people are allowed to gather indoor. For outdoor events, a maximum of 30 people can meet.
- For weddings, only 40 people can participate in an indoor event. For outdoor weddings, 80 people can participate. Everyone must have an active Ehteraz application, and maintain a 2-meter distance with the other guests. There should only be 5 people per table. All guests are not allowed to exchange handshakes or kisses. Organizers should keep the contact information of guests.
- Cinemas can reopen, and allow up to 15% capacity. Viewers should be 18 years old and above, and they must follow the precautionary measures set by the health ministry.
- Playgrounds and other play centers will still be closed
- Local exhibitions are allowed. But guests should only be 15% of the venue’s capacity. The National Tourism Council will announce additional procedures later.
- Metro and other public transportation will resume, but must only accommodate 30% of the vehicle’s capacity. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will announce additional procedures later.
- Personal boats and yacht rentals can still operate. But each trip should only have 30% passenger capacity, including the boat workers.
- Travel policies announced earlier are still in place. The Ministry of Public Health will continue to update which countries are classified as low-risk
- Driving schools can operate, but only 50% of the students can attend
- Summer camps are still suspended. Common sports equipment in parks are still off-limits
- Sporting events can be held to 20% audience capacity for indoors and 30% for outdoors. Additional procedures will be announced later
- Private health clinics can operate at full capacity
- Normal working hours at malls will be followed, but can only allow 50% of shoppers including children. Food courts can also re-open but will allow only 30% of the total capacity
- Restaurants can now serve dine-in orders but will allow only 30% of the dining capacity. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will release additional guidelines
- Souks can operate up to 75% of its usual capacity, while wholesale markets can operate up to half of the store’s capacity
- Museums and public libraries can operate at normal business hours at full capacity. However, patrons must observe the health guidelines
- Health clubs, gyms, and public pools can operate to half the capacity. Meanwhile, massage and sauna services can operate up to 30% of its total capacity. This is the same for indoor pools.
- Home beauty, barber, massage centers, and fitness training services are still not allowed to operate.
- Private education and training centers can operate to 50% of its total capacity
- Cleaning and hospitality services in workplaces and providing home services are allowed. Only 30% of these services are allowed.
In their Twitter post, the Government Communications Office announced the plans regarding the fourth phase:
The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management has announced the splitting of phase four into two. The 1st phase will commence on 1 September and the situation will be assessed on an ongoing basis, with the 2nd phase starting on the third week of September.https://t.co/lWqunXO5Wb
— مكتب الاتصال الحكومي (@GCOQatar) August 26, 2020
The measures taken against the further spread of the virus will not be successful without the efforts of the government and the whole population. When going out, always remember to wear a face mask. Wash your hands as often as possible, or at least use a hand sanitizer. Make sure that your Ehteraz app is active as well.